I came across this idea from several blogs I follow, starting with Tales from the Motherland. It’s a cool idea, and I knew I could spare 10 minutes to make my own list of gratitude. Read on for instructions to participate and for my happy things of 2015.

How to Join the Fun

If you’d like to join in, here’s how it works: set a timer for 10 minutes; timing this is critical. Once you start the timer, start your list (the timer doesn’t matter for filling in the instructions, intro, etc). The goal is to write 50 things that made you happy in 2015, or 50 thing that you feel grateful for. The idea is to not think too hard; write what comes to mind in the time allotted. When the timer’s done, stop writing. If you haven’t written 50 things, that’s ok. If you have more than 50 things and still have time, keep writing; you can’t feel too happy or too grateful! When I finished my list, I took a few extra minutes to add links and photos.

To join us for this project: 1) Write your post and publish it (please copy and paste the instructions from this post, into yours) 2) Click on the blue frog at the very bottom of this post. 3) That will take you to another window, where you can past the URL to your post. 4) Follow the prompts, and your post will be added to the Blog Party List. Please note: the InLinkz will expire on January 15, 2015. After that date, no blogs can be added.

Please note that only blog posts that include a list of 50 (or an attempt to write 50) things that made you feel Happy or 50 things that you are Grateful for, will be included. Please don’t add a link to a post that isn’t part of this exercise; I will remove it. Aside from that one caveat, there is no such thing as too much positivity. Share your happy thoughts, your gratitude; help us flood the blogosphere with both!

May your holidays be filled with happiness and gratitude!

50 Reasons to be Thankful (in no particular order)

  1. My children’s joy this time of year.  Seeing them react to the beauty of the season is so precious.
  2. For example, their reaction to our first snow in November. They had so much fun!
  3. And looking at holiday lights together. It IS beautiful, as my daughter said.
  4. Being a parent is a chance to see and experience childlike joy again. So sweet!
  5. My husband for being a kid at heart.
  6. Having the chance to slow down a bit and enjoy a lot of family time this year.
  7. Celebrating Christmas with family at several celebrations. We are so very blessed.
  8. Living in the same state as family (we did live out of state for some years).
  9. Elf on the Shelf – for bringing fun to our house every morning and for providing motivation for my kids to get out of bed!
  10. Our home – it feels cozy at times, but I’m so attached to all the memories & holidays we’ve had here.
  11. Our church – it’s become our spiritual home and I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas Eve there.
  12. Friends near and far who share in our parenting journey(s).
  13. Cookies, Chocolate treats that have been made for us or that we’ve made together as a family.
  14. Family game time has been so much fun this past year and again at Christmas celebrations.
  15. Crafting / art projects with my 6 year old daughter and 4 year old son.
  16. Decorating the tree together – the kids knew what they were doing and were on a mission! It went so quickly!
  17. Cutting down our Christmas tree – a great annual tradition.
  18.  Coffee / Tea
  19. Favorite Christmas carols – love Linus & Lucy, Diana Krall’s Jingle Bells
  20. Hearing my kids sing carols together.
  21. Getting outside hiking
  22. Tent camping with family and friends has become a favorite vacation.
  23. Our fitness center – so many great teachers and a wonderful place to get in shape and see friends.
  24. Swimming Lessons (at #22)
  25. Learning new things – like ice skating with my daughter
  26. Quiet time to read a good book (I’ve devoured so many good books this year).
  27. Social media in bringing people together.
  28. Good health and being able to still plays sports we love (volleyball, basketball).
  29. Caring nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals who provide care and healing to friends and family (with extra love to those in the hospital this time of year).
  30. Time at the holidays to catch up with adults as our kids can play more independently. This is a gift!
  31. Parents & Grandparents who started holiday traditions that we continue with our kids.
  32. A big extended family – love all the wonderful people and kids in my life!
  33. Road trips and vacations in Wisconsin and Texas. It is fun to explore with kids in tow.
  34. Trips to the zoo.
  35. Netflix – for my kids.  They’ve learned so much about animals through Wild Kratts.
  36. Love of learning – I hear random facts about animals and hear my daughter rave about kindergarten all the time. love it!
  37. Great schools with talented teachers.
  38. Having such an awesome husband / father to our kids.
  39. Sleepovers / special time with the kids and their grandparents.
  40. Date nights at amazing restaurants.
  41. Breaks from cooking every now & then!
  42. New hobby with the hubs – Snowshoeing last winter (hopefully we’ll get to do some when it finally snows again)

Buzz…time’s up!!  I know in my heart there is so much gratitude for so many of life’s blessings that I haven’t fully described here.  Enjoy this wonderful holiday season! Cheers!